Releasable manual control



2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INI/EN T0125.

Hao/627 c. NORTON ETAL w b S, A QN QM.. ww. QM. h. Nm; Nm.

4 RELEASABLE MANUAL CONTROL July 3, 1951 Filed Aug. 4, 1945 July 3, 1951 c. NORTON ErAL RELEASABLE MANUAL CONTROL 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 4, 1945 null /cl l0... MIN/IMI x Umm ONM

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Patented July 3, 1951 RELEASABLE MANUAL CONTROL Calhoun Norton and Philip O. Hooker, Chicago, Ill., assignors to Arens Controls, Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application August 4, 1945, Serial No. 608,980

15 Claims.

This invention relates to `control mechanisms, and particularly to control mechanisms of the manually actuated type, adapted for push-pull movements, and to be locked in various positions of longitudinal adjustment by means of a predetermined rotational movement of the manual control handle.

It is an object of the invention to provide a control mechanism, of the type dened, of improved construction and improved operating characteristics.

More particularly stated, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved control mechanism of the type defined, which may be more readily fabricated and assembled, which is smooth and free in its longitudinal movements, which provides a positive lock when moved to locking position, and which may be more readily adjusted to locked and unlocked condition.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved control mechanism of the type defined, wherein a positive locking thereof is insured, when desired, regardless of severe operating conditions or factors to which the mecha" nism may be subjected such, for example, as Vibration, moisture, dirt, or other foreign matter, et cetera.

A still further object of the invention, in certain embodiments thereof, is to provide an improved control mechanism, of the type defined, wherein the locking action is effected only upon rotation of the manual control handle in a predetermined rotational direction.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following specification, when taken in :connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein certain preferred embodiments are set forth for purposes of illustration.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout:

Fig. 1 is a general assembly view of a control installation incorporating a control mechanism constructed in accordance with and embodying the principles of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of the control mechanism of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical. sectional view, on a further enlarged Scale, of the structure of Fig. 2, and taken as indicated by the line 3 3 thereof;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, but showing the parts in locked condition;

Fig. 5 is an exploded View of certain parts of the control mechanism illustrated in Figs. l.-4;

Fig. 6 is a View similar to Fig. 3, but illustrating a modified embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 is a View also similar to Fig. 3, but illus trating a further modified embodiment;

Fig. 8 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a control mechanism, generally similar to that illustrated in Figs. 1-5, but incorporating certain additional structural elements;

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view of the structure of Fig. 8, on the line 99 thereof;

Fig. 10 is a View of the parts shown in Fig. 9, in released or unlocked position;

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 8, but showing a still further structural embodiment of the invention;

Fig. l2 is a transverse sectional view of the structure of Fig. 11, on the .line I2---I2 thereof;

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. l2, but showing the parts in locked position; and

Fig. 14 is a view, similar'to Fig. 12, but showing a further moded formof structure.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, and Vrst to the structural embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-5, the structure shown comprises a control mechanism, generally indicated 'by the numeral l0, adapted to effect the actuation of a controlled device or member I2 through the intermediaryof a flexible control cable, generally indicated by the numeral I4. More specifically, the control cable comprises a composite shiftable structure, comprising a .core wire I6 and an embracing Wire coil I8, shiftable as a unit within a sheath coil 20. 'The shiftable control structures, comprising the parts I 6 and I8, are connected at one end to the controlled device in the form of the bell-crank lever I 2, these parts being connected at their other yend to the control mechanism I0 in a manner so as to be longitudinally reciprocable through a predetermined range of travel, or releasably locked from movement, as may be desired.

The above described flexible transmission cable and operated device set forth one illustrative use of the control mechanism, presently to be described. It is to be understood, however, that the control mechanism of the `invention may be employed in any suitable control installation, requiring shiftable movement within a predetermined range of travel, coupled with the releasable locking of the operated parts in any selected position, as may be desired.

As best shown in Fig. 2, the control mechanism in the embodiment shown comprises a frame sleeve 22 adapted to be fixed to a panel or other suitable support 24, by means of a pair of Vnuts 26 and 28 screw threaded onto the end of the frame sleeve. The panel 24 may, for example, be the dashboard of a vehicle or the like on which the control installation is carried. The end of the sleeve 22, remote from the panel board, is suitably secured to the xed sheath coil 20 of the flexible cable transmission by means of a collar or pressed tting 3.

Slidable within the frame sleeve is an operating member in the form of an elongated sleeve 32. One end of this operating sleeve is suitably secured, as by means of swedging'or the like, to the end of the shiftable coil I8 of the transmission cable, the arrangement thus being such that upon longitudinal shifting of the operating sleeve 32 within the frame sleeve 22, longitudinal reciprocative movements are imparted to the cable parts lli-I8, whereby to effect the movement or operation of the controlled bell-crank member I2.

The opposite end of the operating sleeve 32 has swivelled engagement with the hub portion 34 of a control handle 36. Any suitable swivelled connecting means may be provided, a screw threaded connection being conveniently employed, as shown. It will be noted that the end of the sleeve 32 is not completely seated into the threaded socket within the control handle hub portion, an end space being provided as indicated at 38, so that the control handle may be rotated,

for a purpose later to be described, without imparting corresponding rotation to the operating sleeve. However, the threaded connection insures that longitudinal movements imparted to A control Shaft 44 is disposed within the operating sleeve, for rotative movements therein, and for longitudinal shifting therewith. One end of this shaft is received into the hub portion of the control handle, and is suitably fixed therein as by means of a pin 4S. The other end of the control shaft is formed on its end with a cam member or projection 48, as perhaps best shown j,- in Fig. 5. The projection 48, in the particular embodiment shown, is circular, but is eccentrically positioned in respect to the axis of rotation of the control member, so that as the control member is rotated, the cam member 48 will be shifted in an orbital path or circumferentially within the sleeve 32. The normal or unlocked position of the cam projection 48 is illustrated in Fig. 3. The locking position of the projection is illustrated in Fig. 4.

The cam projection 48 cooperates with a holding'element 50'in the form of a roller member, this roller member being loosely held within an opening 52 provided in the operating sleeve, and adapted to be thrust by the cam projection into engagement with the internal surface 54 of the fixed frame sleeve member.

h Whenthe parts are iin unlocked position, as lllustrated in Fig. 3, the roller member l) is free from the surface of the frame sleeve, and lies loosely upon the operating cam or projection 48, as shown. Accordingly, with the parts in such cond1tion, the operating sleeve 32 is freely shift- 'able within the frame sleeve, as indicated on an exaggerated scale by the space 55, Fig. 3. When nthe control handle will be correspondingly transthe locking cam 48 is rotated into locking position, by a predetermined rotary movement of the operating handle 36 (approximately 120 in the particular embodiment illustrated), as shown in Fig. 4, the holding or locking roller is thrust into engagement with the surface of the xed frame sleeve, and this in turn forces the operating sleeve and frame sleeve into frictional engagement, for example as indicated at the point 58, thereby frictionally locking the operating sleeve to the frame sleeve, against longitudinal movement. The Vdegree or magnitude of the locking action is dependent upon the degree of rotation and force imparted in turning the control handle, either a relatively light frictional resistance, or a substantially positive locking action being provided at the option of the operator depending upon the degree or turning movement and force imparted. When the parts are in locked position, as shown in Fig. 4, they are so proportioned so as to be self-holding, viz., the cam projection 48 and holding roller are wedged into engagement so that they remain in engaged and locked position, after the operator releases his grip upon the control handle' 36. As previously indicated, the spacing between certain of the parts is shown on an exaggerated scale in Figs. 3 and 4, so as to illustrate the locking action.

t will be seen that by reason' of the construction provided, a readily made and easily fabricated structure is provided, which when released is smooth and free in operation, but which can be readily moved into locking position, to provide either a predetermined fricticnal resistance to movement or a positive locking action, holding the operating sleeve against longitudinal movementl as may be desired. The operating sleeve may be locked in position at any point within its range of travel. When once locked it will remain in locked condition, notwithstanding vibration or the like to which control installations of the type' shown are frequently subjected over extended periods of time.

Particular attention is directed to the function of the sleeve 32, in insuring an invariable and reliable locking action. More particularly, the sleeve 32, While longitudinally shiftable, is constantly held in a predetermined angular position,

and against rotation, by means of the spline connection til-42. Inasmuch as the holding element 50 is mounted within the opening 52 of the operating sleeve, the holding element is likewise constrained against circumferential shifting in respect to the internal surface of the nxed frame sleeve. Accordingly as theV control shaft fili is rotated, resulting in the circumferential displacement of the cam projection i8 into locking position, it is insured that the desired locking action will take place in direct proportion to the degree of rotation imparted to the control handle.Y

More particularly, the locking roller 56 is not permitted to slip circumferentially of the frame sleeve, as the cam projection i8 is moved, such as might otherwise occur due to vibration, dirt, or an inverted condition of the structure, as may result for example in an aircraft installation. A positive and reliable locking action is insured at all times and under all conditions of operation. The control handle 36, being firmly fixed to the control shaft 44, provides a positive operator therefor. The screw threaded connection between the control handle and the operating sleeve Y 32 insures that the operating sleeve will `be properly longitudinally shifted as the control handle is actuated in a. longitudinal direction, While at 5 the same time .permitting the cont-rol handle to Ibe rotated to effect the locking actionl without imparting corresponding rotary movement to the .operating sleeve. Inasmuch as the operating sleeve does not rotate, a swivel .connection or the like between the operating sleeve andthe exible transmission cable or other device to be operated, is not required.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. l-5, heretofore described, a locking action is imparted upon a predetermined rotation of the control handle from its normal or unlocked position, in either rotational direction. In certain instances it may be desired to permit a locking rotational movement of the control handle only in one direction. Suitable arrangements for effecting this result are illustrated in Figs. 6 and '7. The struc,- ture illustrated in Fig. 6 is the same as that previously described, the parts being shown in unlocked position corresponding to Fig. 3, except that in this instance the cam projection, as indicated at 48a, is provided with a transversely extending pin 6 0; the arrangement thus being such that the cam projection can be rotated into locking position in only one direction, viz.,

counterclockwise in the structure shown.

In Fig. '7 the structure likewise is similar to that previously described, except that the cam projection as indicated at .Mib is in this instance 'provided with a lip portion 62 performing the function of the pin 60, viz., precluding rotation of the cam projection into locking position in more than one direction of movement.

In Figs. 8, 9 and 10 a further structural embodiment is illustrated. In this instance the structure is also generally similar to that shown in Figs. 1-5, except that the internal surface of the frame sleeve is provided with a, helical screw thread, providing a more positive locking action as in some instances may be desired; and the holding element or roller is of specifically different shape, viz., in the form of a ball.

More specifically, it will be seen that in this instance the internal bore of the frame sleeve 22o is enlarged in respect to the longitudinally reciprocable operating sleeve 32C received thereby, a helical spring as indicated at S4 being disposed internally of the frame sleeve and forming the sliding surface within which the operating sleeve is reciprocable. The spring member may be satisfactorily secured within the bore of the frame sleeve by copper plating the frame sleeve bore, and also copper platine the Spring member- The serine member ie then inserted inte position. and the composite structure subjected to the heating eetien of e .furneee in .e hydrogen atmosphere.

whereby to effect the brazing of the spring to the frame sleeve bore, forming them into an integral unit. When mounted in position, the spring member in effect forms an internal helal screw three-d Within the here Off the fixed .iramesleeve The parts are shown in locked position in Figs. 8 .and 9, and in Telfned 01.' lllfllQCked position in Fig. 10. The holding roller is in thev form of a ball Si which is thrust. .as the cam te is moved into locking position. between the fixed convolutions of the spring member 54 and into engagement with the internal surface 54e of the frame sleeve. whereby te leek the parte. in position- The fined convolutions of the helical spring provide positive abutments interengageable with the locking ball which, as stated, may in certain instances be desired to provide a more positive lock.- ing or holding action. When the parts are in un- .leelsed er released position, .as `shown in Fig. .1.9,

the bell is retracted sow/that it is not -ensaeeable with the l spring convolutions. Inasmuch as the -ball `is held Aby the opening in the non-rotatable sure that the ball does not engage the .spring convolutions so long as ,the control mechanism remains -in the vupright position illustrated.

Also Yin `the structure of Figs. 8-10, the control shaft Mc is extended beyond the operating cam, for example as indicated at 63, whereby to provide a further bear-ing surface for the control member -within the operating sleeve.

In Figs. 1 1-13, a still further form of structure is illustrated., omitting the intermediate operating sleeve. In this instance the frame sleeve 22d is secured by means of the nuts 23d and 26d to the panel 24d, as in the embodiments previously described, t-he end of the frame sleeve being secured to the sheath .coil 20 of the control cable.

The operating means for the cable parts |.6.-..-!8

in this instance .comprises an operating member 1.0 longitudinally slidable and also rotatable within A.the frame sleeve, under control of a handle l2 pinned to the end of the operating mem-ber or shaft lli. A collar lll is pinned to the shaft to limit its movement in .one direction, to the right, as shown in Fig. 1l. The end of the shaft is connected by means of a, swivel connection `to thecontrol cable LIB-.Itl through the intermediary of a ball TB secured to the end of `the shaft, and a fitting 18 swedged onto the end of the shiftable Acable I8.

The combined operating and locking control shaft 10 is provided with a cam. portion 80 operable .to thrust `a locking roller 182 into engagement with the internal surface of the fixed frame sleeve, when the shaft is moved from unlocked position as shown in Figs. 1-1 and 12 to locked position as shown in Fig. 13. The locking engagement between the cam and roller thrusts the Yroller into frictional vengagement with the Vsurface of the frame sleeve, and simultaneously lthrusts the shaft lll into engagement with the actuation of the operated mechanism; or locked in any adjusted position upon a predetermined rotational movement of the .control handle and .Shaft structure.

In Fig. 14 an embodiment is illustrated the same as that shown in Figs. ll, 12 and 13 .except that in `this instance the frame sleeve as indicated at 23e is provided with a out away or trough portion 34 extending the length of the sleeve for receiving the locking roller as indicated at 82e. The parts are shown in unlocked position in Fig. '14, and it will be noted that the space between the locking roller 32e and the cam portion Bile of the locking .control shaft is slightly less than rthe depth of the groove 5.4i. Accordingly even when the parts are in unlocked position the lock.-

.ing roller .cannot move out or the trough 34.

The trough therefore holds the locking roller in position at all times, and as the cam portion 80e is moved into engagement with the locking roller, as the locking control shaft is rotated, a positive lock-.ine action is insured as in the ease 9.5 the .Structure .of .F.ies.. .17.5. previously described.

`It is obvious that various changes may be made in,- the specific embodiments set forth for purposes of illustration Without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is accordingly not to be limited to the specific embodiments shown and described, but only as indicated in the following claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

l. A control mechanism comprising a frame member, an operating member longitudinally reciprocable with respect to the frame member and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, a control handle operatively connected to the operating member for effecting its actuation,

and locking means including aY freely mounted roll and a cooperative symmetrically formed cam surface for releasably locking the operating member from movement in respect to the frame member, said locking means being controlled by a rotary movement of said control handle.

2. A control mechanism comprising a frame Vmember, an operating member longitudinally reciprocable with respect to the frame member and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, a control handle operatively connected to the operating member for effecting its actuation, and locking means including a freely mounted roll and a symmetrically formed cooperative cam surface for releasably locking the Aoperating member from movement in respect to the frame member, said cam surface being moved in an orbital path by a rotary movement of said control handle to effect the actuation of the locking means.

3. A control mechanism comprising an elongated frame sleeve, an elongated operating member longitudinally reciproca'ble within the frame sleeve and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, a control handle operatively con- .nected to the operating member for effecting its actuation, and locking means including a freely mounted roll and a symmetrically formed cooperative cam surface for releasably locking the operating member from movement in respect to theY frame sleeve, said locking means being controlled by a rotary movement of said control handle.

4. A control mechanism comprising an elongated frame sleeve, an elongated operating memmemben an operating member longitudinally reciprocable with respect to the frame member and adapted to be connected to a device to bercontrolled, a control handle operatively connected 'to the operating member for effecting its actuation, and locking means including a freely mounted roll and a cooperative cam member for releasably locking the operating member from movement in respect to the frame member, said control handle being freely rotatable to move said cam member in an orbital path to effect the actuation of the locking means.

6. Ak control mechanism comprisingran elongated frame sleeve, an elongated operating -mem- -ber longitudinally reciprocable Within the frame sleeve and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, a control handle operatively connected to the operating member for effecting its actuation, and locking means including a roll element and a cooperative cam member for releasably locking the operating member from movement in respect to the frame sleeve, said control handle being freely rotatable to move said cam member in an orbital path to effect, the actuation of the locking means.

7. A control mechanism comprising a frame member, an operating member longitudinally reciprocable with respect to the frame member and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, a control handle operatively connected to the operating member for effecting its actuation, and locking means including a freely mounted roll and a symmetrically formed cooperativercam member for `releasably locking the operating member from movement in respect to the frame member, said locking means being controlled by an orbital movement of said cam member, and means for holding the holding element from circumferential movement With the cam member.

8. A control mechanism comprising a frame member, an operating member longitudinally reciprocable with respect to the frame member and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, a control handle operatively connected to the operating member for effecting its actuation, and locking means including a freely mounted roll and a circularly formed cooperative cam surface for releasably locking the operating member from movement in respect to the frame member, said locking means being controlled by a rotary movement of said control handle, and means operable in all positions of adjustment of the operating member for holding the holding element in a predetermined radial position in respect to the aXis of reciprocation of the operating member.

9. A control mechanism comprising an elongated frame sleeve, an elongated operating member longitudinally reciprocable Within the frame g sleeve and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, a control handle operatively connected to the operating member for effecting its actuation, and locking means including a rollV element and a cooperative cam member for releasably locking the operating member from movement in respect to the frame sleeve, said control handle being freely rotatable to move said cam member in an orbital path to control the actuation of the locking means, and means for holding the roll element in a predetermined radial position in respect to the axis of reciprocation of the operating member.

l0. A control mechanism comprising an elongated frame sleeve, a shiftable sleeve disposed Within the frame sleeve and longitudinally movable therein, a freely rotatable control handle operatively connected to the shiftable sleeve for effecting its actuation, a control member disposed Within the shiftable sleeve and movable relative thereto by a rotary movement of said control handle, and locking mechanism comprisingV a freely mounted roll and a symmetrically formed cooperative cam surface actuated by the relative movement between said shiftable sleeve and said control member.

ll. A control mechanism comprising an elongated frame sleeve, a shiftable sleeve disposed Within the frame sleeve and longitudinally movable. therein, a. freely rotatable control handle operatively connected to the shiftable sleeve for effecting its actuation, a control member disposed within the shiftable sleeve and movable relative thereto by a rotary movement of said control handle, and locking mechanism actuated by the relative movement between said shiftable sleeve and said control member, said locking mechanism comprising a freely mounted locking element actuated by a symmetrically formed cooperative cam surface on the control member, said locking element being shiftable through an opening in the shiftable sleeve into engagement with the frame sleeve.

12. A control mechanism comprising an elongated frame sleeve, a sleeve disposed within the frame sleeve and longitudinally movable therein, means for holding the operating sleeve from rotary movement, a freely rotatable control handle operatively connected to the operating sleeve for effecting its actuation, a control member disposed within the operating sleeve, said control member also being operatively connected to the control handle and shiftable within the operating sleeve by a rotary movement of the control handle, and a freely mounted locking element operable through an opening in the shiftable sleeve by a symmetrically formed cam surface on the control member into engagement with the frame sleeve by the relative movement between the shiftable sleeve and the control member.

13. A control mechanism comprising an elongated frame sleeve, an operating sleeve disposed within the frame sleeve and longitudinally movable therein, said operating sleeve being adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, means holding the operating sleeve from rotary movement, a control handle operatively connected to the operating sleeve for effecting its actuation,

a control member disposed within the operating sleeve, said control member also being operatively connected to the control handle, and locking mechanism operated by a rotary movement of the control handle for releasably locking the operating sleeve to the frame sleeve, said locking mechanism comprising an orbital circularly shaped cam formed on the control member and a locking roll shifted thereby through an opening in the operating sleeve into engagement with the frame sleeve.

14. A control mechanism as defined in claim 13, wherein the frame sleeve is provided with a series of longitudinally spaced abutments engageable by the locking roll to provide a positive locking action.

15. A control mechanism as defined in claim 13, wherein the frame sleeve is provided with a spring member forming a helical screw thread engageable by the locking roll to provide a positive locking action.

CALHOUN NORTON. PHILIP O. HOOKER.

REFERENCES CITED Country Date Great Britain Mar. 20, 1939 Number Number 

